Potential Challenges and Next Steps for the UK National Data Strategy

Data is the driving force of modern-day technology and business — it underpins everything we do. But getting to grips with a subject as big as data and how it can work for you can be challenging.

The National Data Strategy (NDS) is “an ambitious, pro-growth strategy that drives the UK in building a world-leading data economy while ensuring public trust in data use.” In this article, we discuss the key opportunities and potential challenges for delivering the UK data strategy.

National Data Strategy Missions Statements

The steps identified in the NDS will allow your company to harness data to develop, synergise and grow. The strategy outlines key pillars of effective use, actions and opportunities to implement and follow. These include:

• Unlocking the Value of Data Across the Economy
• Securing a Pro-Growth and Trusted Data Regime
• Transforming Government’s Use of Data to Drive Efficiency and Improve Public Services
• Ensuring the Security and Resilience of the Infrastructure on Which Data Relies
• Championing the International Flow of Data

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Unlocking the Value of Data Across the Economy

Ensuring that data is available and usable across the economy is key to the success of the overall UK data infrastructure while protecting data rights and intellectual property.

Securing a Pro-Growth and Trusted Data Regime

It’s essential that there are no barriers to data use, no matter the size of your enterprise.

Transforming Government’s Use of Data to Drive Efficiency and Improve Public Services

For the NDS to succeed, it requires a whole-government commitment to success, ensuring a logical, coherent and efficient data infrastructure.

Ensuring the Security and Resilience of the Infrastructure on Which Data Relies

While we use data day in, day out, the infrastructure that supports it must be resilient against disruption, ensuring the efficient use for the many that rely on it.

Championing the International Flow of Data

The UK will become a leader in the international flow of data, powering growth worldwide

Supporting Business Innovation

Harnessing the power of data will allow you to innovate, implement new processes and systems and grow. Not only can data provide you with valuable information, but it can also create efficiencies, smoother processes and help you save time that could be better spent elsewhere.

As well as creating new products and services, such as AI, data will also allow you to give new uses to and help streamline existing products and services, thanks to improved data flows.

Improving the Use of Data in the Delivery of Services in Local and National Government

We’ve already identified how data can support business innovation and these principles apply directly to the delivery of services in government.

According to the Local Government Association, "The use of data plays an increasing role in designing, delivering and transforming public services to improve outcomes and drive efficiencies within current financial constraints." It will also help you gain insights into user needs and promote innovation with lasting results.

Data Protection, Privacy and Safeguarding in the Light of GDPR

We know that data protection is crucial for everybody in society and this becomes even more important when considering the NDS.

Getting safe and reliable data is the responsibility of everyone in the process. The principles in the recently updated Data Ethics Framework and the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) can be used across the public sector to keep data safe and secure, especially as you begin to scale up.

IP Issues and the Future of International Data in Light of Brexit

The withdrawal of the UK from the EU has meant some changes to the law around intellectual property. While the UK has made amendments to ensure continuity, IP rights holders may require further action.

Being independent from the EU allows the UK to pave the way in international data. The UK data market is the largest in Europe, allowing us to truly champion and utilise the benefits that data can deliver.

The UK government has already announced its intention for new global data partnerships with the US, Australia and the Republic of Korea, increasing our influence on the global approach to responsible data sharing and use. This will make it easier for UK organisations to exchange data with essential companies and economies, further contributing toward greater efficiency and growth.

What the National Data Strategy Means for You

We’ve identified the fundamental principles of the UK data strategy and how they translate into business innovation, efficiencies and success.

As you continue to grow and innovate, technology is ever-changing. The NDS will help you navigate and tackle challenges as they arise, resulting in the better use of data that will allow you to support the delivery of existing services and create new ways of working.

Are You Looking to Keep up to Date With Key Changes in the Public Sector?

Then why not join our next Digital Government Conference? At the event, we'll look at the progress made on the journey to a digitally enabled state, as well as the challenges which still need to be overcome. To register your interest or find out more, simply click the link below.